Unathi Fundiswa Msengana, widely known as Unathi Nkayi, is a South African singer, radio host, and actress. She is a well-known voice on the popular youth radio station YFM, where her engaging storytelling and opinions on trending topics attract many listeners. Beyond radio, she has made a name for herself as both an actress and a singer. Notably, Unathi was the first African to voice a character in the animated series “Doc McStuffins,” and her contributions to the entertainment industry have earned her numerous accolades.

Profile Summary

Name	Unathi Fundiswa Msengana
Nickname	Unathi Nkayi
Gender	Female
Date of Birth	6 November 1978
Place of Birth	Grahamstown, Eastern Cape
Age	47 years old (as of 2025)
Nationality	South African
Religion	Christianity
Sexual Orientation	Heterosexual
Relationship Status	Divorced
Spouse	DJ Thomas Msengana (2009-2017)
Children	Sinako Msengana and Imbo Msengana
Occupation	Radio host, Singer and Actress
Social Media	Unathi.co

Early Life

Unathi Nkayi (born 6 November 1978) in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, completed her secondary education at Victoria Girls High School. She went on to earn a degree in International Media Studies at the University of Utrecht and later obtained a degree in Journalism and Drama from Rhodes University in 2000.

In 2001, after completing her studies, Unathi moved to Johannesburg to pursue her career in media. She started as a television host for Castle Loud before transitioning to radio as a presenter on YFM. In 2004, she co-hosted Popstars alongside Rowan Cloete. The following year, she was honored with the Most Promising Woman in Media award at the MTN Media Awards.

Career

Unathi Nkayi’s career took off in 2004 when she co-hosted Popstars alongside Rowan Cloete. In 2011, she replaced Mara Louw as a judge on Idols South Africa, a role she held for over five seasons. With a background in journalism, she secured a position as a producer on SABC 1’s Castle Loud after attending auditions.

Throughout her music career, Unathi has released several songs, including Mona Le, Make Me High, Only for You, Alone with You, Woman, and Be Loveable. Her achievements in the industry include winning the Best Dressed Artist and Song of The Year awards at the 2003 Metro FM Music Awards. In 2008, she released her debut studio album, In Honour, which won Best Female Vocalist at the Metro FM Music Awards. Her 2017 album, Brave, True and Strong, was a commercial success, selling out within a week. She later announced the Brave, True and Strong Tour, which ran from 18 August to 20 September 2018.

Unathi’s influence extends beyond music. In 2011, she earned her first nomination for Favourite South African Radio DJ at the 27th Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards. In 2014, she won the Glamour Woman of the Year award at the Media Star event. That same year, she voiced the character Rita the Cheetah in Disney Junior’s Doc McStuffins.

Her television career continued with her role as the host of The Festive Get Together in The Life Artois on Mzansi Magic for two consecutive seasons, starting in November 2021. In February 2022, she was announced as the co-host of All Star Drive on STAR 91.9 FM alongside Justin Toerien. She also hosted the GQ Best Dressed Awards in August 2022 and the GQ Man of the Year Awards in December 2022 alongside Donovan Goliath.

In early January 2024, Unathi was announced as the host of the Basadi in Music Awards for the second time, held at the Joburg Theatre.

Personal Life

Unathi Nkayi was born to Sakhiwo and Nondwe Nkayi.

In September 2009, she married Thomas Msengana, also known as DJ Thomas. Their wedding was a joyous celebration attended by close friends and family. The couple had two children together: a son, Sinako Msengana, born on 26 November 2004, and a daughter, Imbo Msengana.

In 2017, Unathi and Thomas Msengana divorced, a decision that came as a surprise to many of their fans. During a television interview with eNCA, as reported by The Citizen, Unathi openly addressed their separation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a peaceful and harmonious family environment.

Albums

2008 – In Honour

2011 – With Love

2017 – Bravem True and Strong